The endometrium is the inner membrane or lining of the uterus and endometriosis occurs when cells similar to endometrial cells appear and grow in areas outside the uterus.

And as female hormones affect the endometrial membrane, so they also affect these cells growing outside of the uterus with a result that the symptoms of endometriosis tend to worsen in accordance with the menstrual cycle when the endometrial lining is shed.

While the endometrial lining inside the uterus is periodically shed during the monthly period, the cells that grow outside have to outlet leading to irritation.

One of the chief symptoms of endometriosis is pain in the pelvic region and this is a condition often noted in women who have problems getting pregnant.

Some women experience the growth of web like scar tissue, the extent of which may differ greatly among different women. Many women with endometriosis experience severe menstrual cramps and painful sexual intercourse, while many women remain asymptomatic in spite of the presence of the condition. Though there is no real cure for the condition, here are some endometriosis treatment options:

Symptomatic relief of pain: Pain is the most common symptom for this condition and often endometriosis treatment may be limited to pain relief in the form of simple or compound analgesics.

If pain is very severe, the treatment may require mild narcotics or narcotic analgesics and ibuprofen (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Hormonal therapy: Sometimes in acute cases it may be necessary to adopt hormone therapy for endometriosis treatment. Sometimes the birth control pill is prescribed to give relief from the symptoms, or certain types of intra uterine contraceptives such as Mirena may be prescribed as endometriosis treatment.

These methods suppress the growth of the endometrium and consequently the misplaced growth also is suppressed. The hormone derivative Danazol is frequently prescribed which may produce effects that mimic natural menopause. Lupron and Synarel, analogues of the gonadotropin releasing hormone may also be prescribed.

Surgery: Sometimes endometriosis treatment may require surgery, particularly if there is the presence of lesions, adhesions, endometriomas or nodules noted.

In such cases laparoscopy is used for endometriosis treatment to free adhesions and drain fluid. Through laparoscopy, electric currents of lasers can be used to clear up the existing problems.

Most surgical procedures that form part of the treatment for endometriosis are done using a laparoscope, however sometimes abdominal incisions could be required. In some cases, a complete hysterectomy is advised though this is not proof against the reemergence of the disease.

Alternative therapies: Though these endometriosis treatments do not have a proven track record, they seem to work wonders for many women: homeopathy, herbs, osteopathy, traditional medicines etc do sometimes give great results.

Certain nutritional therapies which balance nutrients in one’s diet also prove to be effective endometriosis treatment for some women.

Certain exercises such as those involving the pelvic floor may also be useful in treating the symptoms. Yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques and Pilates could all prove to be useful by themselves or as an adjunct to conventional therapy.

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